US20130298055A1 - Method for operating user interface and recording medium for storing program applying the same - Google Patents
Method for operating user interface and recording medium for storing program applying the same Download PDFInfo
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- US20130298055A1 US20130298055A1 US13/935,571 US201313935571A US2013298055A1 US 20130298055 A1 US20130298055 A1 US 20130298055A1 US 201313935571 A US201313935571 A US 201313935571A US 2013298055 A1 US2013298055 A1 US 2013298055A1
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- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 9
- 230000003213 activating effect Effects 0.000 description 6
- 238000011017 operating method Methods 0.000 description 6
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 description 6
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 5
- 238000004590 computer program Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 241001422033 Thestylus Species 0.000 description 1
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
- G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
- G06F3/048—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI]
- G06F3/0484—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] for the control of specific functions or operations, e.g. selecting or manipulating an object, an image or a displayed text element, setting a parameter value or selecting a range
- G06F3/04842—Selection of displayed objects or displayed text elements
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
- G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
- G06F3/048—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI]
- G06F3/0481—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] based on specific properties of the displayed interaction object or a metaphor-based environment, e.g. interaction with desktop elements like windows or icons, or assisted by a cursor's changing behaviour or appearance
- G06F3/0483—Interaction with page-structured environments, e.g. book metaphor
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
- G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
- G06F3/048—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI]
- G06F3/0487—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] using specific features provided by the input device, e.g. functions controlled by the rotation of a mouse with dual sensing arrangements, or of the nature of the input device, e.g. tap gestures based on pressure sensed by a digitiser
- G06F3/0488—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] using specific features provided by the input device, e.g. functions controlled by the rotation of a mouse with dual sensing arrangements, or of the nature of the input device, e.g. tap gestures based on pressure sensed by a digitiser using a touch-screen or digitiser, e.g. input of commands through traced gestures
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
- G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
- G06F3/048—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI]
- G06F3/0487—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] using specific features provided by the input device, e.g. functions controlled by the rotation of a mouse with dual sensing arrangements, or of the nature of the input device, e.g. tap gestures based on pressure sensed by a digitiser
- G06F3/0488—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] using specific features provided by the input device, e.g. functions controlled by the rotation of a mouse with dual sensing arrangements, or of the nature of the input device, e.g. tap gestures based on pressure sensed by a digitiser using a touch-screen or digitiser, e.g. input of commands through traced gestures
- G06F3/04883—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] using specific features provided by the input device, e.g. functions controlled by the rotation of a mouse with dual sensing arrangements, or of the nature of the input device, e.g. tap gestures based on pressure sensed by a digitiser using a touch-screen or digitiser, e.g. input of commands through traced gestures for inputting data by handwriting, e.g. gesture or text
Definitions
- the present invention generally relates to a method for operating a user interface, in particular, to a method for operating a user interface of an electronic device and a computer readable recording medium for storing a program applying the same.
- touch screens is being adopted as a new input interface for replacing traditional keyboards in electronic products, such as notebook computers, cell phones, and portable multi-media players etc.
- electronic products such as notebook computers, cell phones, and portable multi-media players etc.
- touch screens is being adopted as a new input interface for replacing traditional keyboards in electronic products, such as notebook computers, cell phones, and portable multi-media players etc.
- a user uses a traditional cell phone to input text or select a menu item, the user has to click at the keyboard while looking at the image displayed on the screen at the same time.
- touch screen is a more convenient input technique.
- the sizes of touch screens on some compact handheld electronic devices are very limited therefore the sizes of menu items in the user interfaces have to be reduced, so that the screens can display as many function options as possible.
- OS Windows operating system
- the Windows OS supports many different functions and these functions are mostly displayed in the “start” function list as hierarchic menu items.
- start the user has to click at the “start” function list, then looks for the menu item corresponding to the specific function in the function list, and eventually clicks at the menu item in the function list to start the specific function.
- a desired menu has to be opened through such hierarchical selection, which is very inconvenient to a handheld electronic device.
- the case of a traditional handheld electronic device is usually closely attached around the display area of the touch display and is much higher than the touch sensing surface of the touch display.
- the extruding part of the case may encumber the operation of an input tool (for example, a finger or a stylus) and may hurt the user's finger, therefore the user cannot touch the pixels at the edges of the display area quickly and effectively and accordingly cannot operate the user interface smoothly.
- the non-display area of the touch display may also sense touches and is usually covered by the case of a handheld electronic device, which not only obstructs the operation of the user but also restricts the application of the touch display.
- the present invention is directed to a method for operating a user interface and a computer readable recording medium for storing a program executing the same, wherein different user interfaces can be activated or switched according to the position and moving direction of a touch generated by touching a touch display using an input tool.
- the present invention is directed to a method for operating a user interface suitable for an electronic device having a touch display.
- the method includes following steps. First, a touch generated by touching the touch display using an input tool is detected. Then, whether the touch is generated on a specific area of the touch display is determined. After that, if the touch is generated on the specific area, whether the position of the touch on the touch display is changed is determined. Next, if the position of the touch on the touch display is changed, the user interface is activated.
- the present invention further provides a method for operating a user interface suitable for an electronic device having a touch display.
- the method includes following steps. First, a touch generated by touching the touch display using an input tool is detected, and whether the touch is generated on a specific area of the touch display is determined. Next, if the touch is generated on the specific area, whether the position of the touch on the touch display is changed is determined. After that, if the position of the touch on the touch display is changed, the user interface is switched according to the moving direction of the touch.
- the present invention provides a computer readable recording medium for storing a program, wherein the program executes following steps. First, a touch generated by touching a touch display using an input tool is detected. Then, whether the touch is generated on a specific area of the touch display is determined. If the touch is generated on the specific area, whether the position of the touch on the touch display is changed is determined. If the position of the touch on the touch display is changed, a user interface is activated.
- the present invention further provides a computer readable recording medium for storing a program, wherein the program executes following steps. First, a touch generated by touching a touch display using an input tool is detected, and whether the touch is generated on a specific area of the touch display is determined. Next, if the touch is generated on the specific area, whether the position of the touch on the touch display is changed is determined. If the position of the touch on the touch display is changed, a user interface is switched according to the moving direction of the touch.
- the position and moving direction of a touch generated by touching a touch display using an input tool are detected, and a user interface is activated or switched according to the position and moving direction of the touch. Accordingly, the desired user interface can be entered quickly and the convenience in the operation of an electronic device can be increased.
- FIG. 1 is a flowchart illustrating a method for operating a user interface according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is a diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 3 is a diagram of a user interface according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 4 is a diagram of a user interface according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 5 is a diagram of a user interface according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 6 is a diagram of a 3D motion user interface according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 7 is a diagram of an electronic device having a switchable user interface according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method for operating a user interface according to another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 9 is a diagram of an electronic device having a switchable user interface according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 10A is a perspective view of a handheld electronic device with obstructionless touch operation according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view of the electronic device in FIG. 10A .
- the present invention is directed to a method for operating a user interface which offers foregoing advantages. Embodiments of the present invention will be described in details with reference to accompanying drawings.
- FIG. 1 is a flowchart illustrating a method for operating a user interface according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- the electronic device may be a cell phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a smart phone, or a notebook computer etc, and the scope thereof is not limited herein.
- PDA personal digital assistant
- a touch generated while touching the touch display with an input tool is detected in step 110 , wherein the input tool may be a finger of the user or a stylus.
- the touch display 210 is divided into a display area 211 and a non-display area 213 , wherein the display area 211 is a well-known touch screen area which is used for both displaying images and receiving operations such as text input or menu selections from the user. Even though the non-display area 213 cannot display images, it can also sense user contacts therefore can be used for detecting the operation of the input tool.
- the display area 211 and the non-display area 213 of the touch display 210 may be located on the same surface or different surfaces, which is not restricted herein.
- the specific area includes a marginal area close to an edge of the display area (i.e. the area going inwardly from an edge of the display area within the size of a finger contact, for example, the marginal area 215 as shown in FIG. 2 ), a central area of the display area 211 (i.e. the area in the display area excluding the marginal area, for example, the central area 230 as shown in FIG. 2 ), or the non-display area of the touch display (for example, the non-display area 213 as shown in FIG. 2 ).
- a marginal area close to an edge of the display area i.e. the area going inwardly from an edge of the display area within the size of a finger contact, for example, the marginal area 215 as shown in FIG. 2
- a central area of the display area 211 i.e. the area in the display area excluding the marginal area, for example, the central area 230 as shown in FIG. 2
- the non-display area of the touch display for example, the non-display area 213
- step 130 whether or not the position of the touch on the touch display is changed is determined.
- a moving distance of the touch has to be calculated, wherein the moving distance may be a moving distance produced within a predetermined time (for example, 0.2 second).
- the moving distance is compared with a predetermined value, and it is determined that the position of the touch on the touch display is changed if the distance is greater than the predetermined value.
- the change in the position of the touch shows that the input tool moves within the predetermined time after it touches the touch display.
- the user interface may be activated according to the position of the specific area.
- the user interface is dragged out from a display edge of the touch display and then displayed, while in the present embodiment, the user interface is dragged out from the edge of the display area closest to the touch and then displayed in the display area.
- the marginal area 215 is used as the specific area for activating a user interface in the electronic device 200 , after the user touches the marginal area 215 with his/her finger and moves his/her finger a distance longer than the predetermined value, a new user interface is dragged out from the edge 217 of the display area 211 and displayed in the display area 211 .
- the non-display area 213 is used as the specific area for activating a user interface in the electronic device 200 , after the user touches the touch point 220 in the non-display area 213 with his/her finger and moves his/her finger a distance longer than the predetermined value, the user interface is activated at the edge closest to the touch point 220 (i.e. the edge 217 of the display area 211 ) and dragged into the display area 211 .
- the activated user interface may be a user interface having a finger-touchable icon (for example, the user interface 300 as shown in FIG. 3 ), a user interface having a finger-touchable image (for example, the user interface 400 as shown in FIG. 4 ), or a common user interface (for example, the user interface 500 as shown in FIG. 5 ), wherein the finger-touchable image may be a miniature of the screenshot of an application program.
- a finger-touchable icon for example, the user interface 300 as shown in FIG. 3
- a user interface having a finger-touchable image for example, the user interface 400 as shown in FIG. 4
- a common user interface for example, the user interface 500 as shown in FIG. 5
- the finger-touchable image may be a miniature of the screenshot of an application program.
- a user interface has been displayed in an electronic device, and another user interface can be activated, switched, or closed on the original user interface from a display edge of the touch display (for example, the edge of the display area closest to the touch) through the same or a similar procedure as illustrated in FIG. 1 .
- a user can activate a common user interface having at least one timing information and at least one event notification (for example, the user interface 500 as shown in FIG. 5 ) on a user interface having a finger-touchable icon (for example, the user interface 300 as shown in FIG. 3 ).
- the user can activate a common user interface having at least one timing information and at least one event notification (for example, the user interface 500 as shown in FIG. 5 ) on a user interface having a finger-touchable image (for example, the user interface 400 as shown in FIG. 4 ).
- the user also can activate a user interface having a finger-touchable icon or a finger-touchable image (for example, the user interface 300 in FIG. 3 and the user interface 400 in FIG.
- a common user interface having at least one timing information and at least one event notification (for example, the user interface 500 as shown in FIG. 5 ). Furthermore, the user can activate a user interface having a finger-touchable image (or finger-touchable icon) on another user interface having a finger-touchable image (or finger-touchable icon).
- the original user interface and the user interface activated later on are respectively located on two surfaces (for example, two adjacent surfaces) of a 3D motion user interface (for example, the 3D motion user interface 610 as shown in FIG. 6 ).
- the 3D motion user interface 610 may be a polyhedron or a cube, and the scope thereof is not limited herein.
- the 3D motion user interface 610 rotates around an axis. For example, as shown in FIG. 6 , the 3D motion user interface 610 may rotate upwards around the axis X 611 , rotates rightwards around the axis Z 613 , or rotates around the tilted axis 615 .
- the method for operating a user interface described above may be executed in any system having computer functionalities.
- foregoing embodiment may be implemented as a computer program, and the computer program can be stored in a computer readable recording medium (for example, a CD-ROM or a hard disk) and loaded into a computer system so that foregoing method for operating a user interface can be executed.
- a computer readable recording medium for example, a CD-ROM or a hard disk
- FIG. 7 is a diagram of an electronic device having a switchable user interface according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- the electronic device 700 includes a display 710 , a touch sensing means 720 , a position detecting module 730 , and a processing module 740 .
- the touch sensing means 720 detects a touch generated by an input tool (for example, a finger of a user or a stylus).
- the touch sensing means 720 may be a touch pad or a touch panel.
- the touch sensing means 720 and the display 710 form a touch display if the touch sensing means 720 is a touch panel.
- the touch panel includes a display area and a non-display area corresponding to the display 710 , wherein the display area and the non-display area may be located on the same surface or different surfaces.
- the position detecting module 730 is connected to the display 710 and the touch sensing means 720 is used for determining whether or not the touch is generated on a specific area of the touch sensing means 720 .
- the specific area includes a marginal area of the display area, a central area of the display area excluding the marginal area, or the non-display area. If the touch is generated on the specific area, the position detecting module 730 determines whether or not the position of the touch on the touch display is changed.
- the processing module 740 is connected to the position detecting module 730 , and when the position detecting module 730 determines that the position of the touch on the touch display is changed, the processing module 740 activates and displays a user interface on the display 710 according to the position of the specific area.
- a user can operate the electronic device 700 to activate a new user interface or to activate another user interface for replacing an existing user interface by using a finger or a stylus.
- the operating method is similar to the embodiment described above therefore will not be described herein.
- FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method for operating a user interface according to another embodiment of the present invention.
- the touch display is divided into a display area and a non-display area.
- step 810 when the user operates the electronic device using an input tool, a touch generated while the input tool touches the touch display is detected, wherein the input tool may be a finger of the user or a stylus.
- the specific area may be a marginal area in the display area of the touch display (for example, the marginal area 215 as shown in FIG. 2 ), a central area in the display area excluding the marginal area (for example, the central area 230 as shown in FIG. 2 ), or a non-display area (for example, the non-display area 213 as shown in FIG. 2 ).
- step 830 whether the position of the touch on the touch display is changed is then determined in step 830 . For example, when the user drags the input tool on the touch display, the position of the touch between the input tool and the touch display is then changed, and accordingly a moving distance of the touch is calculated. It is determined that the position of the touch on the touch display is changed when the moving distance is greater than a predetermined value.
- the action of the user to select a menu item with the input tool will not be misunderstood as an action to switch a user interface, and accordingly incorrect response of the electronic device can be avoided.
- the user interface is switched according to the moving direction of the touch.
- the user interface is dragged out from a display edge of the touch display opposite to the moving direction of the touch.
- the user interface may be a user interface having a finger-touchable icon (for example, the user interface 300 as shown in FIG. 3 ), a user interface having a finger-touchable image (for example, the user interface 400 as shown in FIG. 4 ), or a common user interface (for example, the user interface 500 as shown in FIG. 5 ), wherein the finger-touchable image may be a miniature of the screenshot of an application program.
- the central area 230 in FIG. 2 is used as the specific area and the touch generated when the input tool touches the touch display is located at the touch point 231 , then after the user drags the input tool to the right of the touch display to a distance longer than the predetermined value, the user interface slides out from the edge 233 (i.e. the edge of the display area to the left of the touch point 231 ) and is displayed in the display area 211 .
- a user interface may have been activated in an electronic device, and this original user interface can be switched through a similar method as described above.
- Switching a user interface includes closing an original user interface, activating another user interface on the original user interface, and switching from the original user interface to another user interface.
- a user interface having a finger-touchable icon or a finger-touchable image for example, the user interface 300 in FIG. 3 or the user interface 400 in FIG. 4
- a common user interface for example, the user interface 500 as shown in FIG. 5 .
- a common user interface may also be switched to a user interface having a finger-touchable icon or a finger-touchable image.
- a user interface having a finger-touchable icon or a finger-touchable image may also be switched to another user interface having a finger-touchable icon or a finger-touchable image.
- the original user interface and the user interface activated later on are respectively located on two surfaces (for example, two adjacent surfaces) of a 3D motion user interface (for example, the 3D motion user interface 610 as shown in FIG. 6 ).
- the 3D motion user interface 610 may be a polyhedron or a cube. As shown in FIG. 6 , the 3D motion user interface 610 rotates around an axis. For example, the 3D motion user interface 610 may rotate upwards around the axis X 611 , rotate rightwards around the axis Z 613 , or rotates around a tilted axis 615 .
- the method for operating a user interface described above may be executed in any system having computer functionalities.
- foregoing embodiment may be implemented as a computer program, and the computer program can be stored in a computer readable recording medium (for example, a CD-ROM or a hard disk) and loaded into a computer system so that foregoing method for operating a user interface can be executed.
- a computer readable recording medium for example, a CD-ROM or a hard disk
- FIG. 9 is a diagram of an electronic device having a switchable user interface according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- the electronic device 900 includes a display 910 , a touch sensing means 920 , a position detecting module 930 , a direction detecting module 940 , and a processing module 950 .
- the touch sensing means 920 detects a touch generated by an input tool (for example, a finger of a user or a stylus).
- the touch sensing means 920 may be a touch pad or a touch panel.
- the touch sensing means 920 and the display 910 form a touch display if the touch sensing means 920 is a touch panel.
- the touch panel includes a display area and a non-display area corresponding to the display 910 , wherein the display area and the non-display area may be located on the same surface or difference surfaces, and which is not restricted herein.
- the position detecting module 930 is connected to both the display 910 and the touch sensing means 920 and determines whether the touch is generated a specific area of the touch sensing means 920 .
- the specific area includes a marginal area of the display area, a central area excluding the marginal area in the display area, or the non-display area. If the touch is generated on the specific area, the position detecting module 930 determines whether or not the position of the touch on the touch display is changed.
- the direction detecting module 940 is connected to the position detecting module 930 and detects the moving direction of the touch.
- the processing module 950 is connected to both the position detecting module 930 and the direction detecting module 940 , and when the position detecting module 930 determines that the position of the touch on the touch display is changed, the processing module 950 switches the user interface on the display 910 according to the moving direction of the touch detected by the direction detecting module 940 .
- a user can operate the electronic device 900 to switch a user interface or to switch to a new user interface on an existing user interface by using a finger or a stylus.
- the operating method is similar to the embodiment described above therefore will not be described herein.
- FIG. 10A is a perspective view of a handheld electronic device with obstructionless touch operation according to an embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view of the electronic device in FIG. 10A
- the electronic device includes a case 1001 , a touch display 1002 , and a processor 1003 .
- the case 1001 has an external surface 1004 and a containing space 1005 , wherein the containing space 1005 is connected to the surroundings through an opening 1006 on the external surface 1004 .
- the touch display 1002 includes a display 1007 and a touch sensing means 1008 .
- the display 1007 is disposed in the containing space 1005 of the case 1001 .
- the touch sensing means 1008 is disposed in the opening 1006 on the external surface 1004 of the case 1001 and receives a touch generated by an input tool.
- the touch sensing means 1008 has a touch sensing surface 1009 , wherein the touch sensing surface 1009 includes a display area 1010 and a non-display area 1011 .
- the fringe of the opening 1006 on the case 1001 is connected continuously to the touch sensing surface 1009 , and the external surface 1004 of the case 1001 is not higher than the touch sensing surface 1009 .
- the case 1001 does not include the hotkeys or buttons on a handheld electronic device.
- the processor 1003 is coupled to the display 1007 and the touch sensing means 1008 and determines whether or not the touch is generated on a specific area of the touch display 1002 . If the touch is generated on the specific area, then the processor 1003 determines whether the position of the touch on the touch display is changed and detects the moving direction of the touch. When the position of the touch on the touch display is changed, the processor 1003 activates and displays a user interface or switches the user interface in the touch display 1002 accordingly to the moving direction of the touch.
- the external surface 1004 of the case 1001 is not higher than the touch sensing surface 1009 , the external surface 1004 of the case 1001 and the touch sensing surface 1009 form a continuous smooth surface which allows the user to move and operate the input tool obstructionless.
- the non-display area 1011 exposed by the touch sensing surface 1009 is not covered by the case 1001 as in prior art, thus, in the design of a handheld electronic device, an input tool can be moved and operated obstrutionless, and besides, the non-display area 1011 can be fully utilized and more convenient operations can be provided to the user.
- the processor 1003 can activate, switch, or close a user interface according to the position and moving direction of a touch generated while the input tool touches the touch sensing means 1008 .
- the details of the method, such as operation procedure and functionalities thereof, have been described in foregoing embodiment therefore will not be described herein.
- the user interface operating method provided by the present invention has at least following advantages:
- a user can activate or switch different user interfaces by directly dragging an input tool on the touch display, so that the time for activating the user interface is shortened and the operation efficiency is improved.
- an easier and more intuitive method for activating or switching a user interface is provided to the users so that the time required by a user to get familiar with the operation of an electronic device is shortened and the convenience in the usage of the electronic device is improved.
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Abstract
A method for operating a user interface and a recording medium for storing a program applying the same are provided. The method includes following steps. First, a touch generated by touching a touch display using an input tool is detected. Then, whether or not the touch is generated on a specific area of the touch display is determined. Next, whether the position of the touch is changed is determined if the touch is generated on the specific area. The user interface is activated or switched if the position of the touch is changed. Accordingly, a more convenient and intuitive method for operating the user interface is provided and the convenience in using the electronic device is increased.
Description
- This application is a continuation application of and claims the priority benefit of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/109,357, filed on Apr. 25, 2008, which claims the priority benefit of Taiwan application serial no. 96117292, filed on May 15, 2007. All disclosure of the U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/109,359, filed concurrently by the same applicant, entitled “ELECTRONIC DEVICE WITH SWITCHABLE USER INTERFACE AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE WITH ACCESSIBLE TOUCH OPERATION”, which claims the priority benefit of Taiwan application serial no. 96117290, filed on May 15, 2007, is incorporated herein by reference.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention generally relates to a method for operating a user interface, in particular, to a method for operating a user interface of an electronic device and a computer readable recording medium for storing a program applying the same.
- 2. Description of Related Art
- Along with the advancement of pointing stick and touch pad technique, touch screens is being adopted as a new input interface for replacing traditional keyboards in electronic products, such as notebook computers, cell phones, and portable multi-media players etc. For example, when a user uses a traditional cell phone to input text or select a menu item, the user has to click at the keyboard while looking at the image displayed on the screen at the same time. However, if a cell phone having a touch screen is used, the user can input text or start an application program directly on the screen by using a stylus. Accordingly, touch screen is a more convenient input technique.
- The sizes of touch screens on some compact handheld electronic devices are very limited therefore the sizes of menu items in the user interfaces have to be reduced, so that the screens can display as many function options as possible. For example, regarding a handheld electronic device built in with a Windows operating system (OS), the Windows OS supports many different functions and these functions are mostly displayed in the “start” function list as hierarchic menu items. Thus, if a user wants to start a specific function, the user has to click at the “start” function list, then looks for the menu item corresponding to the specific function in the function list, and eventually clicks at the menu item in the function list to start the specific function. A desired menu has to be opened through such hierarchical selection, which is very inconvenient to a handheld electronic device.
- Besides, if the user loses the stylus or forgets to bring it with him/her, the user may have to input text or select menu items with his/her finger. In this case, an incorrect menu item may be selected and accordingly an undesired user interface may be activated due to the small size of the menu. Then the user has to return to the previous level of the user interface and re-selects the menu item to activate the correct user interface. As described above, unnecessary operation time is consumed by such situation. Accordingly, how to allow a user to activate various user interfaces in a touch screen directly with his/her finger and accordingly to operate on these user interfaces conveniently is one of the most important factors for improving the convenience in the operation of a electronic device.
- In addition, the case of a traditional handheld electronic device is usually closely attached around the display area of the touch display and is much higher than the touch sensing surface of the touch display. The extruding part of the case may encumber the operation of an input tool (for example, a finger or a stylus) and may hurt the user's finger, therefore the user cannot touch the pixels at the edges of the display area quickly and effectively and accordingly cannot operate the user interface smoothly. In addition, the non-display area of the touch display may also sense touches and is usually covered by the case of a handheld electronic device, which not only obstructs the operation of the user but also restricts the application of the touch display.
- Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a method for operating a user interface and a computer readable recording medium for storing a program executing the same, wherein different user interfaces can be activated or switched according to the position and moving direction of a touch generated by touching a touch display using an input tool.
- The present invention is directed to a method for operating a user interface suitable for an electronic device having a touch display. The method includes following steps. First, a touch generated by touching the touch display using an input tool is detected. Then, whether the touch is generated on a specific area of the touch display is determined. After that, if the touch is generated on the specific area, whether the position of the touch on the touch display is changed is determined. Next, if the position of the touch on the touch display is changed, the user interface is activated.
- The present invention further provides a method for operating a user interface suitable for an electronic device having a touch display. The method includes following steps. First, a touch generated by touching the touch display using an input tool is detected, and whether the touch is generated on a specific area of the touch display is determined. Next, if the touch is generated on the specific area, whether the position of the touch on the touch display is changed is determined. After that, if the position of the touch on the touch display is changed, the user interface is switched according to the moving direction of the touch.
- The present invention provides a computer readable recording medium for storing a program, wherein the program executes following steps. First, a touch generated by touching a touch display using an input tool is detected. Then, whether the touch is generated on a specific area of the touch display is determined. If the touch is generated on the specific area, whether the position of the touch on the touch display is changed is determined. If the position of the touch on the touch display is changed, a user interface is activated.
- The present invention further provides a computer readable recording medium for storing a program, wherein the program executes following steps. First, a touch generated by touching a touch display using an input tool is detected, and whether the touch is generated on a specific area of the touch display is determined. Next, if the touch is generated on the specific area, whether the position of the touch on the touch display is changed is determined. If the position of the touch on the touch display is changed, a user interface is switched according to the moving direction of the touch.
- According to the present invention, the position and moving direction of a touch generated by touching a touch display using an input tool are detected, and a user interface is activated or switched according to the position and moving direction of the touch. Accordingly, the desired user interface can be entered quickly and the convenience in the operation of an electronic device can be increased.
- The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.
-
FIG. 1 is a flowchart illustrating a method for operating a user interface according to an embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 2 is a diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 3 is a diagram of a user interface according to an embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 4 is a diagram of a user interface according to an embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 5 is a diagram of a user interface according to an embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 6 is a diagram of a 3D motion user interface according to an embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 7 is a diagram of an electronic device having a switchable user interface according to an embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method for operating a user interface according to another embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 9 is a diagram of an electronic device having a switchable user interface according to an embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 10A is a perspective view of a handheld electronic device with obstructionless touch operation according to an embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view of the electronic device inFIG. 10A . - Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts.
- While using an electronic device having a touch display, the operation time could be shortened and the operation efficiency could be improved if different user interfaces can be activated or switched without selecting any menu items. Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a method for operating a user interface which offers foregoing advantages. Embodiments of the present invention will be described in details with reference to accompanying drawings.
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FIG. 1 is a flowchart illustrating a method for operating a user interface according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the detailed procedure of activating a user interface in the touch display of an electronic device will be described, wherein the electronic device may be a cell phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a smart phone, or a notebook computer etc, and the scope thereof is not limited herein. - Referring to
FIG. 1 , first, a touch generated while touching the touch display with an input tool is detected instep 110, wherein the input tool may be a finger of the user or a stylus. In theelectronic device 200 illustrated inFIG. 2 , thetouch display 210 is divided into adisplay area 211 and anon-display area 213, wherein thedisplay area 211 is a well-known touch screen area which is used for both displaying images and receiving operations such as text input or menu selections from the user. Even though thenon-display area 213 cannot display images, it can also sense user contacts therefore can be used for detecting the operation of the input tool. In the present embodiment, thedisplay area 211 and thenon-display area 213 of thetouch display 210 may be located on the same surface or different surfaces, which is not restricted herein. - Next, in
step 120, whether or not the touch is generated on a specific area of the touch display is determined. The specific area includes a marginal area close to an edge of the display area (i.e. the area going inwardly from an edge of the display area within the size of a finger contact, for example, themarginal area 215 as shown inFIG. 2 ), a central area of the display area 211 (i.e. the area in the display area excluding the marginal area, for example, thecentral area 230 as shown inFIG. 2 ), or the non-display area of the touch display (for example, thenon-display area 213 as shown inFIG. 2 ). - If the touch is generated on the specific area of the touch display, then in
step 130, whether or not the position of the touch on the touch display is changed is determined. To be specific, to determine whether or not the position of the touch on the touch display is changed, first, a moving distance of the touch has to be calculated, wherein the moving distance may be a moving distance produced within a predetermined time (for example, 0.2 second). Next, the moving distance is compared with a predetermined value, and it is determined that the position of the touch on the touch display is changed if the distance is greater than the predetermined value. In other words, the change in the position of the touch shows that the input tool moves within the predetermined time after it touches the touch display. - Finally, in
step 140, the user interface may be activated according to the position of the specific area. To activate the user interface, the user interface is dragged out from a display edge of the touch display and then displayed, while in the present embodiment, the user interface is dragged out from the edge of the display area closest to the touch and then displayed in the display area. - For example, if the
marginal area 215 is used as the specific area for activating a user interface in theelectronic device 200, after the user touches themarginal area 215 with his/her finger and moves his/her finger a distance longer than the predetermined value, a new user interface is dragged out from theedge 217 of thedisplay area 211 and displayed in thedisplay area 211. - In another embodiment of the present invention, if the
non-display area 213 is used as the specific area for activating a user interface in theelectronic device 200, after the user touches thetouch point 220 in thenon-display area 213 with his/her finger and moves his/her finger a distance longer than the predetermined value, the user interface is activated at the edge closest to the touch point 220 (i.e. theedge 217 of the display area 211) and dragged into thedisplay area 211. - In the embodiment described above, the activated user interface may be a user interface having a finger-touchable icon (for example, the
user interface 300 as shown inFIG. 3 ), a user interface having a finger-touchable image (for example, theuser interface 400 as shown inFIG. 4 ), or a common user interface (for example, theuser interface 500 as shown inFIG. 5 ), wherein the finger-touchable image may be a miniature of the screenshot of an application program. - In another embodiment of the present invention, a user interface has been displayed in an electronic device, and another user interface can be activated, switched, or closed on the original user interface from a display edge of the touch display (for example, the edge of the display area closest to the touch) through the same or a similar procedure as illustrated in
FIG. 1 . - For example, through the method described above, a user can activate a common user interface having at least one timing information and at least one event notification (for example, the
user interface 500 as shown inFIG. 5 ) on a user interface having a finger-touchable icon (for example, theuser interface 300 as shown inFIG. 3 ). Or, the user can activate a common user interface having at least one timing information and at least one event notification (for example, theuser interface 500 as shown inFIG. 5 ) on a user interface having a finger-touchable image (for example, theuser interface 400 as shown inFIG. 4 ). Moreover, the user also can activate a user interface having a finger-touchable icon or a finger-touchable image (for example, theuser interface 300 inFIG. 3 and theuser interface 400 inFIG. 4 ) on a common user interface having at least one timing information and at least one event notification (for example, theuser interface 500 as shown inFIG. 5 ). Furthermore, the user can activate a user interface having a finger-touchable image (or finger-touchable icon) on another user interface having a finger-touchable image (or finger-touchable icon). - In the present embodiment, the original user interface and the user interface activated later on are respectively located on two surfaces (for example, two adjacent surfaces) of a 3D motion user interface (for example, the 3D
motion user interface 610 as shown inFIG. 6 ). The 3Dmotion user interface 610 may be a polyhedron or a cube, and the scope thereof is not limited herein. The 3Dmotion user interface 610 rotates around an axis. For example, as shown inFIG. 6 , the 3Dmotion user interface 610 may rotate upwards around theaxis X 611, rotates rightwards around theaxis Z 613, or rotates around the tiltedaxis 615. - It should be mentioned that the method for operating a user interface described above may be executed in any system having computer functionalities. In other words, foregoing embodiment may be implemented as a computer program, and the computer program can be stored in a computer readable recording medium (for example, a CD-ROM or a hard disk) and loaded into a computer system so that foregoing method for operating a user interface can be executed.
-
FIG. 7 is a diagram of an electronic device having a switchable user interface according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring toFIG. 7 , theelectronic device 700 includes adisplay 710, a touch sensing means 720, aposition detecting module 730, and aprocessing module 740. - The touch sensing means 720 detects a touch generated by an input tool (for example, a finger of a user or a stylus). In the present embodiment, the touch sensing means 720 may be a touch pad or a touch panel. The touch sensing means 720 and the
display 710 form a touch display if the touch sensing means 720 is a touch panel. Accordingly, the touch panel includes a display area and a non-display area corresponding to thedisplay 710, wherein the display area and the non-display area may be located on the same surface or different surfaces. - The
position detecting module 730 is connected to thedisplay 710 and the touch sensing means 720 is used for determining whether or not the touch is generated on a specific area of the touch sensing means 720. In the present embodiment, the specific area includes a marginal area of the display area, a central area of the display area excluding the marginal area, or the non-display area. If the touch is generated on the specific area, theposition detecting module 730 determines whether or not the position of the touch on the touch display is changed. - The
processing module 740 is connected to theposition detecting module 730, and when theposition detecting module 730 determines that the position of the touch on the touch display is changed, theprocessing module 740 activates and displays a user interface on thedisplay 710 according to the position of the specific area. - Through the user interface operating method described above, a user can operate the
electronic device 700 to activate a new user interface or to activate another user interface for replacing an existing user interface by using a finger or a stylus. The operating method is similar to the embodiment described above therefore will not be described herein. -
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method for operating a user interface according to another embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the method provided by the present invention for switching a user interface in an electronic device will be further described in details. The touch display is divided into a display area and a non-display area. Referring toFIG. 8 , first, instep 810, when the user operates the electronic device using an input tool, a touch generated while the input tool touches the touch display is detected, wherein the input tool may be a finger of the user or a stylus. - Next, in
step 820, whether the touch is generated on a specific area of the touch display is determined. In the present embodiment, the specific area may be a marginal area in the display area of the touch display (for example, themarginal area 215 as shown inFIG. 2 ), a central area in the display area excluding the marginal area (for example, thecentral area 230 as shown inFIG. 2 ), or a non-display area (for example, thenon-display area 213 as shown inFIG. 2 ). - If the touch is generated on the specific area, whether the position of the touch on the touch display is changed is then determined in
step 830. For example, when the user drags the input tool on the touch display, the position of the touch between the input tool and the touch display is then changed, and accordingly a moving distance of the touch is calculated. It is determined that the position of the touch on the touch display is changed when the moving distance is greater than a predetermined value. To be specific, by calculating the moving distance of the touch within a predetermined time and comparing the moving distance and the predetermined value to determine whether the position of the touch on the touch display is changed, the action of the user to select a menu item with the input tool will not be misunderstood as an action to switch a user interface, and accordingly incorrect response of the electronic device can be avoided. - Finally, in
step 840, the user interface is switched according to the moving direction of the touch. To switch a user interface, the user interface is dragged out from a display edge of the touch display opposite to the moving direction of the touch. In the present embodiment, the user interface may be a user interface having a finger-touchable icon (for example, theuser interface 300 as shown inFIG. 3 ), a user interface having a finger-touchable image (for example, theuser interface 400 as shown inFIG. 4 ), or a common user interface (for example, theuser interface 500 as shown inFIG. 5 ), wherein the finger-touchable image may be a miniature of the screenshot of an application program. - For example, if the
central area 230 inFIG. 2 is used as the specific area and the touch generated when the input tool touches the touch display is located at thetouch point 231, then after the user drags the input tool to the right of the touch display to a distance longer than the predetermined value, the user interface slides out from the edge 233 (i.e. the edge of the display area to the left of the touch point 231) and is displayed in thedisplay area 211. - In another embodiment of the present invention, a user interface may have been activated in an electronic device, and this original user interface can be switched through a similar method as described above. Switching a user interface includes closing an original user interface, activating another user interface on the original user interface, and switching from the original user interface to another user interface. For example, through the operating method described above, a user interface having a finger-touchable icon or a finger-touchable image (for example, the
user interface 300 inFIG. 3 or theuser interface 400 inFIG. 4 ) may be switched to a common user interface (for example, theuser interface 500 as shown inFIG. 5 ). Contrarily, a common user interface may also be switched to a user interface having a finger-touchable icon or a finger-touchable image. Besides, a user interface having a finger-touchable icon or a finger-touchable image may also be switched to another user interface having a finger-touchable icon or a finger-touchable image. - In the present embodiment, the original user interface and the user interface activated later on are respectively located on two surfaces (for example, two adjacent surfaces) of a 3D motion user interface (for example, the 3D
motion user interface 610 as shown inFIG. 6 ). The 3Dmotion user interface 610 may be a polyhedron or a cube. As shown inFIG. 6 , the 3Dmotion user interface 610 rotates around an axis. For example, the 3Dmotion user interface 610 may rotate upwards around theaxis X 611, rotate rightwards around theaxis Z 613, or rotates around a tiltedaxis 615. - The method for operating a user interface described above may be executed in any system having computer functionalities. In other words, foregoing embodiment may be implemented as a computer program, and the computer program can be stored in a computer readable recording medium (for example, a CD-ROM or a hard disk) and loaded into a computer system so that foregoing method for operating a user interface can be executed.
-
FIG. 9 is a diagram of an electronic device having a switchable user interface according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring toFIG. 9 , theelectronic device 900 includes adisplay 910, a touch sensing means 920, aposition detecting module 930, adirection detecting module 940, and aprocessing module 950. - The touch sensing means 920 detects a touch generated by an input tool (for example, a finger of a user or a stylus). In the present embodiment, the touch sensing means 920 may be a touch pad or a touch panel. The touch sensing means 920 and the
display 910 form a touch display if the touch sensing means 920 is a touch panel. The touch panel includes a display area and a non-display area corresponding to thedisplay 910, wherein the display area and the non-display area may be located on the same surface or difference surfaces, and which is not restricted herein. - The
position detecting module 930 is connected to both thedisplay 910 and the touch sensing means 920 and determines whether the touch is generated a specific area of the touch sensing means 920. In the present embodiment, the specific area includes a marginal area of the display area, a central area excluding the marginal area in the display area, or the non-display area. If the touch is generated on the specific area, theposition detecting module 930 determines whether or not the position of the touch on the touch display is changed. - The
direction detecting module 940 is connected to theposition detecting module 930 and detects the moving direction of the touch. Theprocessing module 950 is connected to both theposition detecting module 930 and thedirection detecting module 940, and when theposition detecting module 930 determines that the position of the touch on the touch display is changed, theprocessing module 950 switches the user interface on thedisplay 910 according to the moving direction of the touch detected by thedirection detecting module 940. - Through the user interface operating method described above, a user can operate the
electronic device 900 to switch a user interface or to switch to a new user interface on an existing user interface by using a finger or a stylus. The operating method is similar to the embodiment described above therefore will not be described herein. -
FIG. 10A is a perspective view of a handheld electronic device with obstructionless touch operation according to an embodiment of the present invention, andFIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view of the electronic device inFIG. 10A . The electronic device includes acase 1001, atouch display 1002, and aprocessor 1003. Thecase 1001 has anexternal surface 1004 and a containingspace 1005, wherein the containingspace 1005 is connected to the surroundings through anopening 1006 on theexternal surface 1004. Thetouch display 1002 includes adisplay 1007 and a touch sensing means 1008. Thedisplay 1007 is disposed in the containingspace 1005 of thecase 1001. The touch sensing means 1008 is disposed in theopening 1006 on theexternal surface 1004 of thecase 1001 and receives a touch generated by an input tool. The touch sensing means 1008 has atouch sensing surface 1009, wherein thetouch sensing surface 1009 includes adisplay area 1010 and anon-display area 1011. The fringe of theopening 1006 on thecase 1001 is connected continuously to thetouch sensing surface 1009, and theexternal surface 1004 of thecase 1001 is not higher than thetouch sensing surface 1009. Here thecase 1001 does not include the hotkeys or buttons on a handheld electronic device. Theprocessor 1003 is coupled to thedisplay 1007 and the touch sensing means 1008 and determines whether or not the touch is generated on a specific area of thetouch display 1002. If the touch is generated on the specific area, then theprocessor 1003 determines whether the position of the touch on the touch display is changed and detects the moving direction of the touch. When the position of the touch on the touch display is changed, theprocessor 1003 activates and displays a user interface or switches the user interface in thetouch display 1002 accordingly to the moving direction of the touch. - It should be mentioned that since the
external surface 1004 of thecase 1001 is not higher than thetouch sensing surface 1009, theexternal surface 1004 of thecase 1001 and thetouch sensing surface 1009 form a continuous smooth surface which allows the user to move and operate the input tool obstructionless. Moreover, thenon-display area 1011 exposed by thetouch sensing surface 1009 is not covered by thecase 1001 as in prior art, thus, in the design of a handheld electronic device, an input tool can be moved and operated obstrutionless, and besides, thenon-display area 1011 can be fully utilized and more convenient operations can be provided to the user. - As described in foregoing embodiment, the
processor 1003 can activate, switch, or close a user interface according to the position and moving direction of a touch generated while the input tool touches the touch sensing means 1008. The details of the method, such as operation procedure and functionalities thereof, have been described in foregoing embodiment therefore will not be described herein. - In overview, the user interface operating method provided by the present invention has at least following advantages:
- 1. a user can activate or switch different user interfaces by directly dragging an input tool on the touch display, so that the time for activating the user interface is shortened and the operation efficiency is improved.
- 2. an easier and more intuitive method for activating or switching a user interface is provided to the users so that the time required by a user to get familiar with the operation of an electronic device is shortened and the convenience in the usage of the electronic device is improved.
- It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the structure of the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. In view of the foregoing, it is intended that the present invention cover modifications and variations of this invention provided they fall within the scope of the following claims and their equivalents.
Claims (18)
1. An user interface switching method for an electronic device having a touch display, comprising:
displaying a first user interface, which has a plurality of finger-touchable icons, by the touch display, wherein each of the finger-touchable icons is corresponding to an application program;
detecting a touch on the touch display;
determining whether the touch is generated on a specific area of the touch display;
determining whether the position of the touch on the specific area is changed;
if it is determined that the touch is generated on the specific area and that the position of the touch on the specific area is changed, dragging a second user interface, which has at least one event notification, out from a display edge of the touch display and replacing the first user interface by the second user interface on the touch display;
displaying the second user interface by the touch display;
detecting another touch on the touch display;
determining whether the position of the another touch on the touch display is changed; and
closing the second user interface if it is determined that the position of the another touch on the touch display is changed and then displaying the first user interface by the touch display.
2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the step of determining whether the position of the touch on the specific area is changed comprises:
calculating a moving distance of the touch;
determining whether the moving distance is greater than a predetermined value; and
determining that the position of the touch on the specific area is changed if the moving distance is greater than the predetermined value.
3. The method according to claim 2 , wherein the step of calculating the moving distance of the touch further comprises:
calculating the moving distance of the touch within a predetermined time.
4. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the event notification is associated with a personal schedule.
5. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the event notification is associated with an unread message.
6. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the second user interface further has a time or a date.
7. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the input tool comprises a finger or a stylus.
8. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the specific area is close to the display edge.
9. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium, which stores a program for executing following steps:
displaying a first user interface, which has a plurality of finger-touchable icons, by a touch display, wherein each of the finger-touchable icons is corresponding to an application program;
detecting a touch on the touch display;
determining whether the touch is generated on a specific area of the touch display;
determining whether the position of the touch on the specific area is changed;
if it is determined that the touch is generated on the specific area and that the position of the touch on the specific area is changed, dragging a second user interface, which has at least one event notification, out from a display edge of the touch display and replacing the first user interface by the second user interface on the touch display;
displaying the second user interface by the touch display;
detecting another touch on the touch display;
determining whether the position of the another touch on the touch display is changed; and
closing the second user interface if it is determined that the position of the another touch on the touch display is changed and then displaying the first user interface by the touch display.
10. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium according to claim 9 , wherein the step of determining whether the position of the touch on the specific area is changed comprises:
calculating a moving distance of the touch;
determining whether the moving distance is greater than a predetermined value; and
determining that the position of the touch on the specific area is changed if the moving distance is greater than the predetermined value.
11. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium according to claim 10 , wherein the step of calculating the moving distance of the touch further comprises:
calculating the moving distance of the touch within a predetermined time.
12. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium according to claim 9 , wherein the event notification is associated with a personal schedule.
13. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium according to claim 9 , wherein the event notification is associated with an unread message.
14. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium according to claim 9 , wherein the second user interface further has a time or a date.
15. An user interface switching method for an electronic device having a touch display, which has a display area and a non-display area, comprising:
displaying a first user interface, which has a plurality of finger-touchable icons, by the touch display, wherein each of the finger-touchable icons is corresponding to a first application program;
determining whether or not a touch is generated on the non-display area of the touch display; and
if it is determined that the touch is generated on the non-display area, switching the first user interface, which has the plurality of finger-touchable icons, to a second user interface, which has at least one screenshot miniature of a second application program, on the touch display.
16. The method according to claim 15 , further comprising:
detecting another touch on the touch display;
determining whether the position of the another touch on the touch display is changed; and
closing the second user interface if it is determined that the position of the another touch on the touch display is changed and then displaying the first user interface by the touch display.
17. The method according to claim 16 , wherein the step of determining whether the position of the another touch on the touch display is changed further comprises:
calculating a moving distance of the another touch;
determining whether the moving distance is greater than a predetermined value; and
determining that the position of the another touch on the touch display is changed if the moving distance is greater than the predetermined value.
18. The method according to claim 15 , wherein the display area and the non-display area are located on the same surface.
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TW200844835A (en) | 2008-11-16 |
TWI357012B (en) | 2012-01-21 |
EP2003538A1 (en) | 2008-12-17 |
US8487883B2 (en) | 2013-07-16 |
US9411496B2 (en) | 2016-08-09 |
US20080284754A1 (en) | 2008-11-20 |
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